Tsum Valley Education Fund

Supporting long-term education needs at Compassion School in Lamagaun, Tsum Valley.

Tsum Valley is culturally rich, deeply rooted, and geographically remote. Families largely live from subsistence farming; cash income is limited, and access to modern infrastructure remains uneven. These conditions have helped preserve a distinctive way of life, but they also create real barriers to education. Local schooling has been limited, and education beyond Grade 5 requires children to leave the valley. For many families, that is only possible with financial support. The Tsum Valley Education Fund supports community-led responses to these barriers, helping children receive a stronger education closer to home.

The Fund grew from Steve Fagan’s repeated time in Tsum Valley, where he visited local homes, schools, monasteries, nunneries, health workers, and community leaders while documenting life in the valley. Over time, education emerged as one of the clearest ways the Foundation could support children and families through locally-led, practical assistance.

  • A group of children sitting at wooden tables inside a stone-walled classroom, with educational posters on the walls and various backpacks, notebooks, and bottled drinks on the tables.

    The Education Challenge in Tsum Valley

    Remoteness, limited infrastructure, and the lack of local education beyond Grade 5 create serious barriers to education for children and families.

    Understand the Need
  • A group of children and a woman standing outdoors in front of a mountain range with snow-capped peaks, red-roofed buildings, and a clear blue sky.

    Compassion School

    A community-led school providing education, meals, residence support, and learning resources for children in Tsum Valley.

    Learn About Compassion School

  • Current Priorities

    Approximately $310,000 has been committed to the greenhouse project and three years of operating support for Compassion School.

    View Current Priorities